It sure did cost a lot of Russian planes and oil - was that part of the plan?
there's literally nothing in that area. Its like Canada invading the USA through Northern Idaho. Now they have to support their new front. Can they do it?
The oil refineries Ukraine has been hitting with drone strikes are in an exact opposite direction. Its merely strikes of opportunity. Nothing to do with Kursk offensive.
How so? Yes, the Russians knew they’d have to allow Uke successes to dupe the Ukes into sending more formations to their doom. I’m sure the Russians did a cost benefit analysis before starting this. The benefit? Donbas IS collapsing, Heinz Guderian will make an appearance. He will be at the head of the tank column surrounding Kiev shortly.
The Russians doing this to the checker playing, rainbow politician generals in the Pentagon is criminal.
The Russians lost face, no matter what. A country that was dismissed by Moscow as :illegitimate”, not only has fought off the Muscowite horde for 2.5 years, but has actually advanced INTO Muscowite territory.